Diego Costa misses Chelsea training to pursue exit

Chelsea forward Diego Costa has missed the return to training as he bids to pursue a summer return to Atletico Madrid, according to reports.

Brazilian-born Spanish international Costa was given permission to miss Chelsea’s first pre-season training session on Monday morning after being granted the opportunity to discuss a return to Atletico.

The Madrid-based side has been keen on a return for Costa, who netted 64 goals in 135 games for the club and it now seems that a deal will be agreed.

Diego Simeone’s side is unable to purchase any players this summer, but speculation has seen Costa linked with a six-month loan to Turkish side Besiktas or accept training with the club until January 2018, when the ban finishes.

That deal would follow a similar one for Vitolo, who is set to leave Sevilla and spend six months on loan with Las Palmas until he can link up with Simeone’s men next year.

Costa’s future at Stamford Bridge came under scrutiny at the back end of last season as reports came about of Antonio Conte’s desire to bring in a fresh attacking presence.

Talks have been ongoing between Chelsea and Atletico but a fee is yet to be discussed.